Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky: Iolanta

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Since this is the only readily available video of Tchaikovsky's last opera, anyone interested in this composer's theatrical output will certainly want to have it (the 1963 Soviet/Latvian dubbed studio film of the work is rather quaint and sometimes appears on the web in the Dreamlife/Japanese edition). The Bolshoi production is extremely traditional and limited in visual appeal, with curtains filling out the thin sets at the sides. The soprano's voice is sharp and a bit screechy and the tenor very over-parted, although in general the singing is certainly adequate as well as heartfelt. The final effect of the work is quite touching, especially because of the way it hints throughout at Tchaikovsky's tragically repressed homosexuality (this has been pointed out quite well by John Warrack among others). The final scene (when the blind Iolanta is at last able to see) can even be read as a very touching (gay) coming out episode. The fact that this one-act opera originally formed a double bill with the two-act Nutcracker ballet is also intriguing, and our understanding of what the now more famous ballet was all about is helped by seeing how the opera sets up certain themes of adolescence, freeing oneself from elders and finding one's way (however hesitantly and hetero-normally) in the world of adult romance and love (although I should probably add that some early and more recent critics have claimed that Tchaikovsky intended simply to make a direct contrast between the serious, brooding world of Iolanta and the childish divertissement of Nutcracker). If you are willing to make allowances for the rather wooden production, this DVD of the opera stands as a powerful and haunting work--and can easily be supplemented musically by Gergiev's compelling recording.

First out, this release was filmed in 1982 for archival puposes, and some allowances need to be made. The Bolshoi Orchestra was extremely close-miked, making them sound rather inferior. And miking of the stage is not entirely consistent, but it is good enough to appreciate the excellent, typically Russian, singing.

But the opera itself is intriguing. In the early stages, I agreed with the reviewer above. But as it developed, and the simple plot emerged, so the music developed, until, by the end, we hear some of Tchaikovsky's best operatic work (admittedly, being a one-acter, only in 3 or 4 set pieces. It is as if Tchaikovsky wanted the music to develop, as the simple story developed.

I have little to add to what has been written above, except to say, listen to this a number of times. The music will grow on you and reveal qualities that may not be apparent at first listening. It is one of Tchaikovsky's last works, and far from bing inferior, is an essay in musical development, composed by a master composer and presented by good voices. I always advocate that an opera should be seen and a lot can be lost by listening to CD versions. I think this is one case where the glamourous staging contributes little to appreciating the rare work.

This 1982 Bolshoi production is as old-fashioned as it gets: elaborate sets & costumes; declamatory, wooden "acting"; crude makeup & wigs. But all that makes it easier not to take seriously the soppy story of a blind princess who finally sees the light & finds true love.

Tchaikovsky's score for this, his last opera, is often pedestrian & only occasionally up to his usual standard, but the few good tunes are worth hearing. What earns this DVD a "4" from me is the very high quality singing of all the principals. All in all, quite enjoyable.